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'Rock the Kasbah' Trailer: Bill Murray Roams Afghanistan

Whether he's starring in Oscar-caliber fare or making a hilarious television appearance, Bill Murray is always Bill Murray. The actor/comedian has become a living legend after starring in decades of hit comedies, and at this point, there's little he can do to tarnish his legacy.

As of late, Murray's varied career has centered largely on being part of impressive ensemble casts (The Monuments Men) and leading indie comedies (St. Vincent). Judging by the footage of his newest film (see above), he appears to be exercising the latter option this time around.

Open Road Films has released a new trailer for upcoming comedy Rock the Kasbah, set to hit theaters this fall. Barry Levinson - whose previous comedic work includes Good Morning, Vietnam and Wag the Dog - directs the film, which stars Murray as a rock music manager named Richie Lanz. While travelling through Afghanistan, Richie discovers a fresh young talent and soon finds himself managing her through the Afghan version of American Idol.

The film's poster (see below) also underscores the air of fate about this chance meeting and captures the film's quirky tone with Murray's trademark grin.

Rock the Kasbah might not be a film for everyone, but it is likely to succeed in capturing Murray's specific comedic voice. Screenwriter Mitch Glazer has worked with Murray a few times, including the 1988 holiday comedy Scrooged, and will write his A Very Murray Christmas special to debut on Netflix later this year. That bodes well for the number of laughs that Rock the Kasbah will feature, and an ensemble cast that includes Zooey Deschanel, Bruce Willis, Danny McBride, Scott Caan and Kate Hudson - should be fun to watch, too.

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Though it's certainly not aiming for mainstream notoriety, Rock the Kasbah comes out opposite higher-profile fall releases like Vin Diesel's The Last Witch Hunter and the Jem and the Holograms live-action movie. That being said, there's every chance that Murray's film could conceivably serve as effective counter-programming for those in the mood to squeeze in something light before Halloween.

Will you be checking out Rock the Kasbah when it arrives in theaters this October? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.